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Updated: May 21, 2026

Quantitative PCR-based Assay to Measure Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cellular Model of Ciliogenesis
Published on: January 31, 2025
The multifaceted role of EXOC6A in ciliogenesis
Te-Lin Lin1,2, Chien-Ting Wu2,3, Tang K Tang1,2
1Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Ciliogenesis is a highly ordered process that requires membrane trafficking, fusion, and maturation. In this study, we investigated EXOC6A, a component of the exocyst complex known for secretory vesicle trafficking and fusion, and found that it interacts with myosin-Va (Myo-Va) during ciliogenesis. EXOC6A colocalizes with Myo-Va at various stages of ciliogenesis, including preciliary vesicles, ciliary vesicles (CVs), and ciliary sheath membrane during ciliogenesis. We found that EXOC6A vesicles are actively recruited, integrated, and exit from the CVs and the ciliary sheath, implying that EXOC6A vesicles may facilitate continuous cilia membrane remodeling during ciliogenesis. Importantly, EXOC6A knockout impairs ciliogenesis, arresting most cells at the CV stage and preventing recruitment of NPHP and MKS module components to the transition zone. Furthermore, EXOC6A vesicles are transported to the mother centriole via a dynein-, microtubule-, and actin-dependent mechanism. Our results suggest that EXOC6A functions in both early and late stages of ciliogenesis, and is involved in orchestrating vesicle dynamics, cilia membrane remodeling, and formation.
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